Get expert advice on every topic you need as a small business owner, from the ideation stage to your eventual exit. Our articles, quick tips, infographics and how-to guides can offer entrepreneurs the most up-to-date information they need to flourish.
September 3, 2019
You may not think your employees are feeling overworked, but the reality is that many staff members are at risk of burnout. That’s the word from a Gallup poll conducted last year, which found that 23 percent of employees felt burned out at work either “always” or “very often,” while another 44 percent described themselves as being burned out “sometimes.” This leaves only about a quarter of full-time employees not at risk of burnout. If you’re of the mindset that staff members are replaceable if they can’t keep up with the work, it’s time to change that way of thinking. In reality, overworked employees can hurt productivity at your office and are 63% more likely to take sick days, Gallup found. It’s a common misconception that highly engaged employees aren’t at risk of burnout, but a recent study from the Yale University Center for Emotional Intelligence revealed that two in every five employees polled revealed high engagement and a feeling of burnout. Therefore, you must keep an eye on every employee for the risk of being overworked – don’t solely focus on those who seem disengaged.
“Burnout is real and it does lead to a loss in productivity and employee engagement,” says Judy Bell, an HR consultant with Judy Bell Consulting. Check out how to recognize overworked employees, and how you can avoid this fate.
Overworked employees are often absent from work, especially on Mondays and Fridays, Bell says.
Stressed employees are more likely to have sleeping problems that may cause them to arrive at work late, and sometimes with a decreased attention to their professional image, Bell advises.
“Stressed employees are more likely to snap at co-workers or be less collaborative with team members,” Bell says. “This is a classic symptom that leads to a loss in productivity.”
“Presenteeism occurs when employees don't feel comfortable in taking off work when they are sick, or feel obliged to work longer work hours each day or to work every Saturday,” Bell says. “This is a culture issue which contributes to burnout and sickness.”
If you recognize any of these signs in your staff members, it’s a good idea to employ strategies that mitigate burnout to ensure your staff members are happier and more productive.
Smart executives and business owners know that balance is good for employees, productivity, and profits, Bell says. Therefore, the balanced culture should come from the top at your firm.
Some companies offer mindfulness and meditation classes onsite to help staffers relax, or memberships at places like yoga classes to keep them centered.
You should convey consistent wellness messages in posters, newsletters, meetings, and training to cement a culture of wellness, Bell advises.
If your staff members are stressed because they are juggling too many responsibilities, it can be a good idea to take some work off their plates via outsourcing or other methods.
Determine the stressors in your office and offer stress management training in those areas. Your best bet is to use humor in the training to keep staffers relaxed, Bell says.
Make sure your staff works together to keep everyone engaged, Bell advises.
Some staff members may truly not be pulling their weight, and you should nip this issue early, because they can drag down your other employees, Bell says.
Know the strengths of your employees and give them responsibilities that allow them to use those talents. This will improve productivity and reduce burnout.
Neha De is a writer and editor with more than 13 years of experience. She has worked on a variety of genres and platforms, including books, magazine articles, blog posts and website copy. She is passionate about producing clear and concise content that is engaging and informative. In her spare time, Neha enjoys dancing, running and spending time with her family.
We provide you with essential business services so you can focus on growth.
